“A housemaid to clean and deliver meals, large rooms, as I’ve said very modern. You must see it for yourself.”
They made an appointment at the end of the week to see the new homes just as the clerk came in and handed Davies a piece of paper.
Davies frowned and handed the piece of paper to Val. “I’m not sure how helpful that’s going to be.”
Val looking down at the piece of paper and read the name.
“This can’t be right,” he said aloud.
Davies shrugged. “I spoke to my clerk this morning before you arrived. That’s what was listed as the owner of the building. Perhaps they move goods about and are using the building as a warehouse.”
Val nodded. “Perhaps. Well thank yo
u for taking the time and thank you for this.”
Val shook the man’s hand and departed. Outside in the grey light of the morning, he took out the paper and read the name again of the organization that owned the opium den. The Association of Herbs. It made no sense at all. Hailing a cab, he went back to the office. It was time to regroup with Felix to see if he had discovered anything from the victim’s families.
???
Felix tapped a finger to one of Odean Barton’s patients. “This is absolutely Effie Whitson. The dates match and her lady’s maid said she often dressed her hair a certain way when she went to visit our deceased friend.”
Val nodded and took the file.
“Bessie Turner’s mother said she went for long walks and the walks coincided with the dates this lady visited the doctor. So, I’m certain this one is Bessie.”
“Excellent work Felix.”
“I’m also fairly certain this is Aida.” Felix said pushing the file to him. “Her mother said she used the excuse that she was with you but I don’t think that’s the case. I remember this date. You and I had to travel to Yorkshire and that couldn’t have been you.”
“How do you remember that specific date?” Val asked.
“It’s my Mum’s birthday,” he smiled.
“So. That’s it. This is the thread that ties them together. But what does it help us?” Val shook his head. “So, they were all seeing him. It stands to reason they were taking the tonic and getting his massages,” he spit out the last word.
“Yes.”
Val blew out the breath he was holding. “Where does this leave us? I feel like we’re going in circles.”
Felix looked back at his boss but said nothing.
“And this name? The Association of Herbs. It makes no sense,” Val said, as he had shared the knowledge with Felix when he had returned.
“We need to visit the opium den again. The key is that building,” Val nodded.
“Back to the den?” Felix asked.
“Back to the den.”
???
It was late at night when they met again. It had turned dark and the pub was poorly lit inside and reeked of urine outside.
“That detective and his sergeant are asking questions,” Mr. Cedar told the others sullenly. “What do you intend to do about it?”
“There’s nothing to be concerned about. The detective is on a wild goose chase,” Mr. Willow said soothingly. “The unfortunate matter of Mr. Cypress will be forgotten and we can continue on as before.”
“And if the detective does find us?” Mr. Cedar asked.